Directions to the iPod Nano

Apple introduced the iPod nano at the end of 2005 to replace the iPod mini, a mid-sized version of its classic portable audio player. As of 2011, the nano has since gone through six generations. The current model sports a squarish design with a multi-touch screen and no click wheel or camera, as previous generations offered. However, it still provides extra features such as FM radio capability, a pedometer and colorization.

Step 1

Familiarize yourself with the exterior buttons of the device. On the top left corner are the volume buttons; on the top right is the "Sleep/Wake" button. The headphone jack is on the bottom right, and the dock connector, which is where you plug in the cable to connect the device to your computer, is on the bottom in the center. Hold the "Sleep/Wake" button down for a few seconds to turn the iPod on or off completely; click it to turn the screen on or off.

Step 2

Connect your iPod to your computer by plugging in the connector cable to the device's dock connector and your computer's USB port. Open iTunes if it does not open automatically. Since this is the first time you are syncing your iPod, you will have to set it up; afterwards, your iPod will automatically sync. Type in a name for your iPod, select the settings for automatically syncing your music and photos, select the language you want to use and click "Done."

Step 3

Leave the device plugged in for three hours to charge, or use a separately purchased wall charger to charge it. Do not disconnect your iPod until the iTunes screen reads "OK to Disconnect."

Step 4

Click the "Sleep/Wake" button to turn your iPod screen on. Swipe your finger across the screen to scroll through the pages of apps and see what options you have. Touch the app that you want to open. For example, if you want to play music, touch "Artists," "Songs," "Composers," "Genres" or "Albums." These apps list all the music in your library in alphabetical order according to these categories. Touch the sub-category you want; then touch the song you want to begin playing. Controls to pause, skip, rewind and create a Genius mix appear on screen.

Step 5

Flick your finger quickly up and down to scroll rapidly. Touch and hold icons to drag them and rearrange them. Place two fingers on the screen and rotate them to rotate the screen orientation. Swipe right to return to the home screen.

Step 6

Tap "Fitness" and "Pedometer" to use the device as a pedometer. Tap "Settings" to get information about your iPod, such as how many songs it is holding or its serial number, or to personalize your iPod, such as selecting a picture for your home screen.

Step 7

Shake the device to shuffle songs, or go to "Songs" and tap "Shuffle" at the top of the list. Tap "Playlists" and "Add" to create a new playlist, or create playlists in iTunes by clicking the plus sign in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Tips

• Always ensure that your iPod and iTunes software is up to date.
• Reset your iPod by pressing the "Sleep/Wake" button down for six seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
• Avoid exposing your iPod to temperature extremes or liquids.

Warnings

• The iPod's battery won't charge when your computer is in sleep or standby mode.
• Never disconnect your iPod until it is done syncing.

References

• Apple Manuals: iPod nano User Guide (6th Generation)

About the Author

In 2008 Amanda Gronot began her professional career as a writer for a research company. She helped ghostwrite a book for a prominent CEO and has had essays and translations published in the prestigious classics journal "Helicon." Gronot graduated with a four-year Master of Arts/Bachelor of Arts in classics from Yale University.

Photo Credits

• Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images